How To Find the Right Singles Cruise

Cruise line literature often includes pictures of couples and families having a wonderful time on board, but cruising is a terrific getaway for single people, too. If you don’t like to travel on your own, a cruise will automatically make you part of an onboard community where it’s easy to find people to chat, dine or dance with: but, you always have the option of spending time on your own. For example, you can curl up in a cozy corner with a good book, relax in the sun, attend a lecture, take in a cooking demonstration or enjoy a pampering skin treatment in the onboard spa.

Here are a few things to take into consideration as you look for the right cruise opportunity for you:

Many single travelers choose smaller ships, where it can be easier to find other singles on board. Some of today’s mega-ships carry more than 5,000 passengers, which can make it a bit more difficult to find other singles (though there are sure to be plenty of friendly couples and families, too). On smaller ships, you’ll encounter the same people more often, which can be helpful to making new friendships. Keep in mind that many smaller ships sail for luxury lines, which can mean higher cost and a more mature clientele, too.

Most cruise ships only offer staterooms designed for two or more. A single cruiser can book one of these staterooms, but most cruise lines will charge extra – as much as 100% of the double-occupancy fare (the fare they would collect if the cabin was booked for two). However, some cruise lines limit this extra charge to 50% or less of the fare they would charge for a second person, and some ships even have cabins designed and priced for solo travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic has an unusually large number of staterooms – 128 – just for solo passengers, who also receive access to a chic social space called the Studios Lounge. If you don’t mind sharing a stateroom, some cruise lines offer roommate matching services, which will keep costs down for both of you.

Many ships offer special events that help singles meet, such as singles-only cocktail receptions. Some cruise lines, like Crystal Cruises, have "gentlemen hosts” on board to serve as dance partners and shore excursion escorts. At dinner, Seabourn seats all single travelers at tables hosted by the ship’s officers, entertainers or entertainment staff, ensuring lively conversation.

There are also companies, such as SinglesCruise.com, that organize entire cruise vacations for groups of singles. They host exclusive parties and mixers open to their group of singles only.

Still, the amount of socializing you do is really up to you. If you want to meet others, join in games and enrichment programs on board; let the cruise director know that you’re looking for other singles to socialize with; and sign up for a shore excursion, which will give you a shared (and fun) experience with other passengers.

For more ideas and tips for single cruising, talk with your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert. Cruise Holidays is also able to help you arrange a singles trip with SinglesCruise.com.